Palindromes

Language has never been one of my favorite subjects but from the very moment I learned of palindromes, I was fascinated. I think maybe it's the symmetry that I find so alluring. It's almost like math but with letters instead of numbers.

I looked at a list of palindromes and picked out some of my favorites. These are my favorites from the first half of the list:

A car, a man, a maraca.

A man, a plan, a canal: Panama.

A man, a plan, a cat, a ham, a yak, a yam, a hat, a canal-Panama!

A Santa at Nasa.

A slut nixes sex in Tulsa.

A Toyota’s a Toyota.

Amy, must I jujitsu my ma?

As I pee, sir, I see Pisa!

Are Mac ‘n’ Oliver ever evil on camera?

Bombard a drab mob.

Bar an arab.

Campus motto: Bottoms up Mac.

Dammit, I’m mad!

Delia saw I was ailed.

Dennis and Edna sinned.

Devil never even lived.

Did Hannah see bees? Hannah did.

Did I draw Della too tall, Edward? I did?

Do geese see God?

Doc, note, I Dissent. A fast never prevents a fatness. I diet on cod.

Dog doo? Good God!

Dr. Awkward

Drab as a fool, aloof as a bard.

Drawn, I sit; serene rest is inward.

Dubya won? No way, bud.

Ed, I hung a gnu hide!

Egad! An adage!

Elba Kramer saw I was remarkable.

Eva, can I stab bats in a cave?

Eve damned Eden. Mad Eve!

Evil olive

Evil rats on no star live.

Ew! Eat a ewe?

Flee to me, remote elf.

Gnu dung.

I prefer pi.

I roamed under it as a tired, nude Maori.

I’m a fool; aloof am I.

In words, alas, drown I.

Is it I? It is I!

Lager, sir, is regal.

Late metal.

Lisa Bonet ate no basil.

Lived on Decaf; faced no Devil.

Lonely Tylenol.

Just Joe

Trade deal eases EU-US beef war over hormones

I came across this article on the BBC website regarding one of my favorite foods, beef. So, Europe was worried about the hormones (6 in particular) the United States used to inject into cows. Since the US no longer uses those hormones Europe is now cool with our beef. I can't be the only one thinking, "Okay, so those 6 hormones aren't used anymore... so which ones ARE?" Sheesh.

It just makes me think how in Europe if something might cause cancer, it is banned until further research. In the US, if something might cause cancer it's fair game until it is PROVEN to cause cancer. I'm not saying that these hormones have anything to do with cancer, rather just pointing out a difference in philosophy. But I digress:


By Laurence Peter

The European Parliament has backed a deal that will increase EU imports of beef from the US and Canada and help European food exporters.

A row over growth hormones used on North American cattle ranches led to a trade war lasting more than 20 years.

The new deal sets an annual EU quota of 48,200 tonnes for high-quality North American beef from cattle that have not been treated with growth hormones.

North America will lift import tariffs on a range of European farm produce.

An EU ban on hormone-treated meat and meat products remains in place, even though the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in 1997 that it was illegal.

The EU ban, dating back to 1988, was based on concerns about the addition of six hormones to more than 90% of American beef.

But now, US farmers are no longer using the hormones, according to Robert Sturdy MEP, a UK Conservative and Vice-President of the European Parliament's Trade Committee.

Mr Sturdy, a farmer himself, said the trade deal would be especially important for the European dairy sector, "which has had a difficult time".

Unique cheeses like Stilton and Roquefort, protected by EU country of origin rules, are popular among Americans yet "basically it has been impossible to export these specialist products", he told the BBC.

He described the beef deal as "a first tentative step to getting better trade relations with the US and Canada". "Now is the time to open up markets, with food prices going up and shortages across the world," he added.

US bans EU beef

Meanwhile, the EU is urging the US to lift a 15-year-old ban on imports of EU beef. It was imposed because of US concerns about mad-cow disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, or BSE).

Last week a US agriculture department agency recommended that the ban be lifted.

The EU Agriculture Commissioner, Dacian Ciolos, says the ban breaks the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) rules, which categorise both the US and EU as "controlled risk".

The US beef deal backed by the European Parliament was signed by EU foreign policy chief Baroness Ashton and the US government in May 2009.

The parliament's Agriculture Committee says its impact on the EU beef market "should be small" because the hormone-free North American beef corresponds to only 0.36% of the EU total beef and veal market.

In May 2011 the US agreed to suspend all of its retaliatory sanctions on EU produce.

The high US tariffs, slapped on produce such as pork, chocolate, cheeses, jams and fresh truffles, have cost EU exporters more than $250m annually (£159m; 191m euros).

According to the agriculture committee, Italy will gain the most from the US lifting of sanctions (more than $99m), followed by Poland ($25m), Greece and the Republic of Ireland ($24m each).

"I hope this will lead to a definitive resolution of the dispute on hormone-treated beef in the WTO," Commissioner Ciolos said.

The new quota for US and Canadian beef will take effect by August. Of the total 48,200 tonnes Canada will account for 3,200 tonnes.

Bumper Sticker

 I saw a bumper sticker today that made me absolutely lose it...

"Lord, help me be the person
  my dog thinks I am."

If you've ever owned a dog I'm sure you are at least chuckling right now.

Just Joe

MVD Pundit

Well, the first four weeks of the new MVD (Most Valuable Danette) year are complete. What better time to predict the outcome of this year's MVD? The polling is quite scientific but you'll have to take my word for it since I cannot reveal my source(s). It IS important to note that even with all of this polling, only one vote counts and that belongs to Dan Patrick himself.

Here is a quick recap of the four weeks as I see it:

Seton -- Has shot out to an early, commanding lead since arriving in 2012 with a vow to improve his "buzz kill" tendencies and has stuck to it this first month. On top of that he rolled out a new segment that is sweeping the country, nay, the world and has recently even garnered a shout out from Patrick "McDreamy" Dempsey. I speak of course of the ironically named "Stat of the Day." Bonus points must be awarded here for the deep-seated jealousy this segment burns into McLovin. And lastly, Seton has gone so far as to get a new tattoo! All of these combined in only four weeks puts the Win probability for PSO'C at 80%. It is still very early but at this point he's the favorite.

Fritzy -- This one pains me a bit since Todd is a sensitive guy. Since winning his second of back-to-back MVD Awards in 2011, Fritzy has been hot and cold this year. First negative, still no Kate Upton in studio. Going on nothing more than a gut feeling, the guest list for Super Bowl Week will give Fritzy a big bump. The second "shortcoming" if you will, is the up and down "Cougar of the Week" selections. Crystal Gayle... next level!! Carla Gugino... well, not next level. Third, would have to be in his usually strong segment "Mock Headlines." Really, the only problem here is that they have been few and far between in 2012. On the plus side, Todd was amazing in getting Ray Rice AND Kyle Williams a mere 36 hours after heartbreaking, season-ending losses for both (and extenuating circumstances for Williams)! Kudos on those awesome gets. These factors combine for a Win probability of 6.9%. Sorry, Todd, it's not quite 69.

Paulie -- This is the trickiest of all. Much of what Paul does is behind the scenes. So every time you think "that was a great show," that's Paul doing his thing. There isn't anything negative to say about his 2012 unless you aren't a fan of snark. On his positive side is the serendipitously created new segment "Quote of the Year." This will be a tough segment to continue regularly as it can't be very easy to control other people's quotes. And unfortunately, the first quote wasn't very good. However, the initiative of beginning a new segment outweighs that fact and still ends up an overall positive for Paulie. The biggest factor in his favor is the segment he created late last year that continues to thrive. In fact, the only problem with "Five Good Seconds" is that it is WAY too short. I believe if Paulie is able to cajole a 20% increase -- to 6 seconds -- he's got a chance of challenging Seton for MVD honors. But as it stands now, PP's Win probability stands at Payton% -- that is 34% for you non-American football fans.

McLovin -- That just leaves Andrew Perlman. At this point it's easy enough to do the math of the other three Win probabilities to figure out McLovin's chances at this early stage. Clearly his most successful contribution to the show is "Against the Grain," which often times is indistinguishable from "The Grain." But bless his jealousy-filled heart, he tries. Speaking of his jealousy, it seems to be at an all-time high because of Seton's unbelievable first month. While always attempting to steal PSOC's thunder, the one thing he has actually stolen is his buzz killedness. Not a good thing when you've already closed the door in the host's face while he was trying to have a conversation with the front row. I put AMP's Win probability at -20.9%. Again, it's early and "Coffee Break with McLovin" is way underrated.

Also receiving consideration: Brooklyn Decker - 0%, Chrissy Tiegen - 0%. As honorary 5th Danettes, neither has appeared in studio yet but at a current 0% Win probability, they both rank ahead of McLovin.

There you have it, MVD Pundit's first update. Remember, it's still very early and much can change!

Just Joe

Kyle Orton vs. Denver Broncos

Hey, all! Long time no rant! Just a quick question for today.

So I've been hearing all week about how new Kansas City Chiefs QB (former Denver Broncos QB) Kyle Orton can stick it to his old team.

My question: Wasn't he already sticking it to the Broncos when he went 1-4 as their starter? I guess being responsible for 5 losses equates to "sticking it" to a team.

Just Joe

Florida Gators -- Week #13/Wrapup

It's funny to say after a 21-7 loss to our in-state rival but that was one of the better games Florida played all year with one glaring exception... 4 interceptions!!

Only 4 penalties for 25 yards in the entire game. That's a big improvement over some of the midseason numbers. The defense looked amazing! The "other team" attempted 46 rushes for only 30 yards while passing for only 65 yards. Even though they were held under 100 total yards for the game, those 4 interceptions set up 21 points. The first scoring drive went for 20 yards. The second scoring drive went for 4 yards. The third score was an interception return for touchdown. And there you have it, 24 yards on offense and 21 points.

John Brantley had his worst game of the season, 3 interceptions in just under one half of work. After the second interception I thought we might see Brissett at some point. It turns out after the third interception, Brantley was injured and so Brissett did get snaps. The offensive line didn't open any running lanes and losing 2 linemen to injury during the game didn't help.

Florida's only score also came after a turnover, the only one the Gators were able to force. After middle linebacker Michael Taylor forced a fumble, the offense took over at the opponent's 21 yard line. First down saw a 15 yard pass interference penalty moved the ball to the 6 yard line where the Gators completed a 6 yard pass for a touchdown.

So all of the scoring for the day came after turnovers and the longest drive for points was 21 yards. Definitely a day dominated by the defenses. The difference was the turnovers. Bottom line: their defense outscored our defense.

I didn't hear it mentioned very often throughout the season but Florida was playing with only 72 players on scholarship, with a few of those being walk ons that earned scholarships this year. For those who don't know, 85 is the maximum allowed as well as the standard that most teams keep. With only 72 scholarship players,  depth was an issue all year long. The team was also a young team with only 17 seniors and 17 juniors on scholarship. This needs to be a huge recruiting class with enough talent to push the current young guys who are starting. Whether or not the growing pains of the season will lead to lessons learned and more cohesive play won't be known until next year. I'm hopeful that this season is akin to 2007 when the Gators were coming off of a championship season with a very, very young team that was pushed around at times. After the growing pains of 2007, 2008 was a championship season and 2009 was nearly so. The bowl game will be interesting. There isn't a 6-6 team out there that Florida should not shut down defensively. On offense I'd like to see Brissett start the game so they can get a jumpstart on next season. That would be a slight to Brantley in his senior season however so maybe the freshman can play the second half.

Well, that was Florida football for 2011. I suspect Muschamp & Co. will need to win at least 8 games to keep the fans hopeful that this is moving in the right direction next year. I don't believe next year's schedules are finalized with the 2 new SEC members, Missouri and Texas A&M joining the conference. I suppose the good news is that Alabama should definitely be off of the schedule next year.

Just Joe

Worst Liar Ever

So Urban Meyer continues to deny that there is any agreement for him to coach Ohio State. Pretty interesting considering there are reports of the exact length and amount of the contract. Then I turn on the Michigan/Ohio State football game this afternoon and there's his broadcast team calling the game... without him. It turns out he asked to be taken off of his regular ESPN duties this weekend. Really, Urban? Did you just need a weekend off to spend with your family? If you're trying to give the illusion of having respect for the rivalry game, why not just have respect for the rivalry game and not talk contract until after the game?

Does anyone else think it would be interesting if Ohio State loses this game to finish 6-6 and the Florida Gators lose tonight to finish 6-6 AND those two teams met in a bowl game?

Just Joe